Parliament: Key terminology

Parliament

The British legislature made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch.

House of Commons

The primary chamber of the UK legislature, directly elected by voters.

House of Lords

The second chamber of the UK legislature, not directly elected by voters.

Confidence and supply

The rights to remove the government and to grant or withhold funding.

A type of informal coalition agreement where the minority partner agrees to provide these things in exchange for policy concessions.

Salisbury Convention

The convention whereby the House of Lords does not delay or block legislation that was included in a government’s manifesto.

Parliamentary privilege

The right of MPs or Lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence, including law.

Legislative bills

Proposed laws passing through Parliament.

Public bill committees

Committees responsible for looking at bills in detail.

Backbenchers

MPs or Lords who do not hold any government office.

Select committees

Committee responsible for scrutinising the work of government, particularly of individual government departments.

Opposition

The MPs and Lords who are not members of the governing party or parties.